Christmas Gift Party For Kids

At my elementary school volunteers would help up a “Holiday Store” in the music room for children to shop for Christmas gifts. Volunteers would help you pick, wrap and tag all the presents. I thought that was a genius way for the children to give something from the heart as Christmas gifts. Although that way was fun, my family has created a new way for children to gift.

What is a Christmas Gift Party?

 

Each family brings a craft to supply to all the children at the party.
For example, my families craft was mod podge plates. We brought 20 plates, 4 yards of fabric, brushes, mod podge and wax paper. Through the day the children, create, decorate and tag their homemade gifts.

What to do!

 

Each family brings a different craft. We had mod podge plates, bookmarks, bracelets, homemade fire-starters, almond roca bark, mason jar bath salts, snack mix, hand soap, hand scrub, laundry detergent and a “Smiles of the year” jar. Each craft is explained and demoed to the children. The children then create the crafts themselves. (with adult guidance of course)

*Make sure every child has a box to carry their things out with before all the fun begins.

Create at least 4 different tables with table cloths 

(use ones you are willing to get damaged, a party with children always gets messy)

For fun table.

This table will keep children entertained if the current craft is too advanced for them.
2 bowls of beads
2 pairs of kids safety scissors
Jewelry cord
Scrapbook paper
Markets
Festive Stickers
cards
stencils



Gift wrapping table.
3 Adult Scissors
Assortment of wrapping paper
ribbons and bows
bubble wrap and cardboard (for the breakables)
4 tapes
Glue gun

Demo table.
This table only really needs a table cloth since every family will be bringing different supplies for each project.

Munchies table.
Veggies
snack mix
coffee
creamer
stir sticks
real food (something so the children don’t eat sugar all day)

 

The Party Timeline

Make sure and plan what order the projects will be made. If something needs time to dry, make sure that project is first so the children can wrap the gift before leaving.
20 minutes maximum creating the the project at the demo table.
10 minutes to decorate, wrap and tag the gift.
*Keep repeating until all the gifts are complete
TADA! That simple!

*Send out the invitations by the beginning of November. (so people can start planning their craft)  Make sure there is an RSVP date because it is very important to have the craft for EVERY child.

Have a festive and jolly Christmas!

DIY: Fabric Decoration Plate

It’s that time of year again. The time everyone gets their craft and Mod Podge on. I just heard about this project and I love it! This is a perfect, inexpensive, custom, creative and special gift idea. After everything is said and done, this project cost about $3 a plate. These plates are so easy to make too! It took me just 20 minutes to make four plates. You can even add on your custom touch my drawings or quotes.This project is easy and fun so enjoy!

What you need
Matte Mod Podge (or Gloss, Hard Coat, Outdoor, Satin, Shimmer or Sparkle)
Fabric Scissors
Fabric Piece 12x12
Sponge brush
Glass plate
Wax Paper
Puff paint (optional)
Sharpie or Fabric Markers (optional)

STEP ONE
Clean the plate a 20 minutes before starting the project. (To ensure the plate it completely dry when starting the project) This includes stickers. (I used Goo Gone to get rid of the tags) You can make the plate more personal by drawing on the fabric with a sharpie or some fabric markers.

STEP TWO

On your wax paper, lay the glass plate upside down. Using the sponge brush mod podge the back of the plate. (Be generous) Make sure to get every little piece, especially  on the edges. (If your wax paper doesn’t get mod podge on it then you need to get closer to the edge)

STEP THREE

Flip your fabric upside down and lay it on the plate. Starting from the middle press the fabric firmly to the plate until you get to the edge. Let the plate sit for about 20 minutes while it dries.

STEP FOUR

Now it’s time to trim the fabric! Trim the fabric with the scissors angled behind the plate.  

NOW YOU ARE DONE!

STEP FIVE (optional)
Put your favorite quote on the plate with your favorite puff paint! You can also add a bow to the plate! Add your creativity and spice to it!

I used mine as a charger for my jewelery holder in my room!

My mother used hers to decorate her kitchen!

How will you use your creativity to make these plates amazing? Send ME your finished projects! I would love to see how they turned out!